leather straps » by elke

Bridle Straps

Besides getting completely obsessed with the linen fabric that I’m currently working with, I’ve also become quite a hoarder of leather horse bridles. They are strewn about the floor of my studio in complete disarray. This happens because every time I make a new bag, I need to dig through all the different bridles to find just the right one to fit with the feeling of the tote. No two are alike. I strip down every harness until it’s broken down into all it’s many pieces. I look at the hardware, the condition of the leather & if I’m really lucky some really fantastic brass fittings will be found. I don’t always use the most “beautiful” strap. I tend to lean toward the broken in ones with a bit of wear & tear. This gives the bag personality & character that you just can’t get from a brand new strap. I polish up the brass bits (not TOO much mind you) & oil the leather then lay it all out on the table. When it’s all put together the total package pleases me. I also like the slight smell of a stable when you get near the strap. That’s just a bonus.

DIY Fur Muff

Yes folks, the Muff is back! I had one growing up in the north east. It was the white rabbit fur type & we got to use them when we’d head into New York City at Christmas time. My friend came over last week with a challenge. She has been holding onto 2 sleeves from an old fur coat & was convinced that we could create a muff out of them. After ripping out the lining & cutting the cuff seam a tad wider we were able to literally fold it inside itself & the muff was born! I cut a thin piece of leather cording to loop through it & secured it with an antique shirt stud so she could wear it around her neck. She is singlehandedly committed to bringing the trend back & so far she’s told me that we have 3 more customers. Now we just need some old fur coats……

I’m not so sure the trend is actually back in the true fashion sense, but it should be!

The Bike Clutch

Here is a wool clutch bag that I converted into a bike bag. The straps are held on by my favorite antique shirt studs & can be left on the handlebars for easy attachment. I added 2 leather straps with d-rings to the bag. When removed, you can carry the bag folded in half & you don’t even see the hardware, just a cute accessory to ride into town with.